Lake District

a person in a canoe with Skiddaw reflected in the water — Canoeing on Derwent Water

Home of Beatrix Potter, dramatic landscapes and fascinating history.

A view of Great Gable from Lingmell Summit in Wasdale Cumbria — Great Gable, bought by climbers returning after the Great War, entrusted to our hands for all time

How we're working to look after the Lake District

How we are playing our part in looking after the Lake District for everyone, for now and for the future.

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View across hay meadows full of flowers at Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Cumbria — Hill Top's hay meadows support dozens of different species

Looking after hay meadows in the Lake District

We're working hard with our tenant famers to restore hay meadows in the Lake District.

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A viewing bench at Stagshaw Gardens — A haven of peace and tranquility just minutes from Ambleside

Hidden gems in the Lake District

Want to find a secluded spot in the Lake District to take in the view? We’ve hidden beaches that are perfect for paddling in, hills where you can enjoy the sunset without the crowds, and small gardens where you can take in the scents.

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A Ranger pulling Himalayan Balsam in the Lake District — Pulling Himalayan Balsam in the Lake District

Alien plants in the Lake District

Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron and Japanese Knotweed – they’re familiar sights, but actually, in the wrong place, they’re becoming a real problem across the Lake District. These are just some of the non-native plants here, or 'alien invasions' as we call them. In 2016, our Rangers and volunteers spent over 300 days tackling them - that’s nearly a year! We do this so indigenous plants survive, and that animals aren’t affected by these alien invaders either. They appear on land and in water – here’s 4 of the species to watch out for when you’re in the Lake District.

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What's new in the Lakes?

View up the garden path at Hill Top in spring

Gardens in the Lake District

The Lakes has some pretty special landscapes, but we can’t forget the gardens here either. Enjoy the new stumpery at Sizergh, see how the garden at Wordsworth House has recovered since it was flooded, or meet our very own Mr McGregor at Beatrix Potter’s original garden at her Lake District home, Hill Top.

Costumed re-enactor bends away from firing cannon

Where will you explore today?

50 things to do before you're 11¾ in the Lake District
Claife Station
Tarn Hows
Join us at the pub

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50 things to do before you're 11¾ in the Lake District

Make the most of half term - get outdoors and try out some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' here in the Lake District.
Claife Station

Claife Viewing Station is one of the Lake District’s earliest tourist and cultural hotspots. It's recently been refurbished, and it's one of the only places that you can take in panoramic views of Lake Windermere.
Tarn Hows

Get closer to dramatic mountain views, and some of our friendliest local residents at this iconic beauty spot, Tarn Hows.
Join us at the pub

It’s the only National Trust run pub in the country and we’re running it with the best local food and ales. Relax after a day of adventure in this magnificent valley.